Executive Chef: Lead High-Volume Event Cuisines

RecruitSmith (PTY) LTD; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 335,000 - 502,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

High-profile events leadership

Job summary

RecruitSmith (PTY) LTD is seeking an Executive Chef to lead a high-volume culinary operation and drive excellence for large-scale events in Cape Town. You will set culinary standards, oversee menu development, costing, and supplier relations while maintaining rigorous hygiene and staff discipline.

The role requires a formal culinary qualification, extensive kitchen leadership experience, and proven ability to manage complex event catering with strong cost control and quality assurance.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Professional Cookery or equivalent.
• HACCP / food safety training at supervisory or management level.
• Minimum of 8 years' professional kitchen experience.
• At least 3 years in a senior role such as Executive Chef or Head Chef in high-volume catering or events.
• Proven experience catering for events exceeding 1,000 guests.
• Strong development, backstock management, leadership, and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all food consistently meets quality standards through recipe execution, presentation, and taste.
• Conduct regular tastings and quality checks at various production stages.
• Lead recipe development, testing, and documentation, ensuring menus are accurately costed and aligned with current trends.
• Oversee menu approval, planning boards, and large-volume menu design.
• Manage plating guides, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Implement FIFO rotation for perishables and convert orders into production schedules.
• Conduct stock takes, maintain PAR levels, minimize waste, and investigate causes.
• Place inventory orders based on forecasts, manage stock documentation, and oversee supplier returns.
• Check deliveries for quality and accuracy, review supplier performance, and attend daily event briefings.
• Coordinate event preparations, monitor food quality during events, and oversee kitchen equipment.
• Manage damage control, waste reduction, and post-event documentation.
• Enforce strict hygiene protocols, supervise kitchen staff, and oversee training and discipline.
• Maintain staff development, morale, and ensure equipment maintenance.
• Conduct inspections of satellite kitchens, manage vehicle and cold-chain logistics.
• Submit daily records and invoices, track food costs, and analyze profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Backstock management

Food safety

Education

Diploma in Professional Cookery

Job description

RecruitSmith (PTY) LTD is seeking an Executive Chef to lead a high-volume culinary operation and drive excellence for large-scale events in Cape Town. You will set culinary standards, oversee menu development, costing, and supplier relations while maintaining rigorous hygiene and staff discipline.

The role requires a formal culinary qualification, extensive kitchen leadership experience, and proven ability to manage complex event catering with strong cost control and quality assurance.